ST. LOUIS – Cue the jokes about retrieving login info or being case-sensitive. Pirates fans might also require a pronunciation lesson or two.
But with Ryan O’Hearn shelved for the next few weeks, there will be ample opportunity for Jhostynxon Garcia starting Tuesday in St. Louis, as the Pirates recalled the player known better as “The Password” for their three-game series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
The move speaks to improved position-player depth within the organization, which was a focal point for general manager Ben Cherington and his staff this past offseason.
It also brings back to the Majors an exciting player with a unique name, a right-handed-hitting outfielder who’s very much part of the Pirates’ future plans.
Garcia, 23, is ranked No. 4 among Pirates prospects by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. He takes the roster spot of Nick Yorke, who was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis after Sunday's game in Pittsburgh.
“This is a great opportunity,” said Garcia, with Major League coach Stephen Morales translating. “I feel like I have a really good chance here to do my thing here.”
When reporters entered the visitors’ clubhouse, Garcia was huddled with third-base coach Tony Beasley, going over signs. They also talked a little about expectations for the young player.
The Pirates like Garcia’s speed and athleticism, something he forced everyone to pay attention to with a terrific Spring Training. In a similar vein, Beasley and others have emphasized to Garcia that the Pirates want him to play his game: speed and power, solid defense and even some occasional flair.
It’s why Garcia was once a top-100 prospect and also why there was considerable buzz surrounding his Pirates debut.
“He has a really exciting skill set,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s got power and surprising speed. Has a really good arm and plays really good outfield defense. Excited to have him here.”
In 25 Minor League games split between Indianapolis and Low-A Bradenton this season, Garcia has hit .242 with three doubles, six home runs, 13 RBIs, seven walks and 15 runs scored.
After returning from a rehab assignment (lower-back tightness), Garcia hit .375 (six for 16) with four RBIs and three walks in five Triple-A games, including a five-for-five, three-homer performance during an 10-8 home win over Louisville on May 12.
Garcia chalked the power surge up to his work ethic and habits he began ingraining this offseason. They’ve translated at a key time. Garcia also derived plenty of confidence by returning from his back issues and having no issue getting his best swing off.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity,” Garcia said. “I’m happy to be here and [plan to] take full advantage of it.”
The Pirates acquired Garcia from the Red Sox for Johan Oviedo (amid a five-player trade) on Dec. 4, 2025. Garcia made his MLB debut with Boston last season, going one for seven with a double and two walks in five games from Aug. 22-28.
The power portion of Garcia’s skill set has been especially evident of late, as he also hit .364 with three home runs in six rehab games with the Marauders, an evolution from his high-average showing during Spring Training.
In Grapefruit League play, Garcia led all Pirates players in hits (15) and amassed a 1.058 OPS, showcasing his speed and defense, as well.
“When we traded for him, you saw the power and stuff he does offensively,” Kelly said, “But I think the defensive component was the thing that stood out to me. That was a lot better than what I was anticipating.”
With O'Hearn (right quad muscle strain) out for roughly four weeks, the Pirates should get a solid look at Garcia, who hit .271 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs in 81 games for Triple-A Worcester in Boston's Minor League system last season.
Garcia, who started in right and hit sixth Tuesday, is a top-100 prospect and was darn close to ready in March.
Now, due to an unfortunate injury, the door is open and should stay that way for several weeks.
“Coming off the injury, he’s not going to be in there every single day, but he’s going to get some runway and get a lot of at-bats,” Kelly said.
It far different than when Garcia made his MLB debut last season. Back then, he was nervous, a Red Sox prospect trying to prove himself.
Now, Garcia knows what he needs to do to have success. He also became close with his Pirates teammates during Spring Training, those players eager to see what the Password can unlock.
“I definitely feel a lot better and more comfortable with this not being my first time [in the big leagues],” Garcia said. “I just want to continue to work, keep the same habits I’ve had, the same work plan and transfer that to the big leagues.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.